Press
Release
Unico, Inc. Announces Additional Progress of Onsite Metallurgical Activity at
the Deer Trail Mine
Issued Thursday December 13, 10:01 am ET
SAN DIEGO, CA--(MARKET WIRE)--Dec. 13, 2007--Unico, Incorporated (OTC BB:
UCOI), a natural resource company in the precious metals mining sector, today
announced that additional onsite metallurgical activity has been conducted at
the Deer Trail Mine in Marysvale, Utah.
The company has issued the following update on the recent progress of
metallurgical work:
"Several tests of different mineral collectors, floatation reagents, have
been conducted.
Four types of xanthates (ethyl, butyl, propyl and amyl) were used in various
combinations with sodium and potassium, which are stabilizers in the chemical
formula. The control of pH was considered for determining the efficiency to
float the mineral and to help discriminate ZnS in the first step. We found that
it was possible to separate the galena from chalcopyrite and sphalerite with a
pH level between 10.5 and 11.6. It has been decided to use lime to increase the
pH levels in the process due to the price difference of soda ash. By using lime
a high pH level may be obtained and stabilized. This will allow the copper and
lead metal ions to be precipitated in sphalerite.
The use of the appropriate frother in the floatation process is currently under
evaluation. Factors that must be considered are its solubility in water and its
capabilities of lowering the interfacial energy between gas and water. These
tests are currently underway.
The sulfide ore found in the Deer Trail PTH tunnel 3400 area has been a main
area of focus. Since the ores found in various areas of the Deer Trail
property, including the 3400 area of the PTH tunnel do not all have the same
characteristics, the company is currently developing different procedures for
processing each of the ore types.
With the test work that has been conducted to date on the upper Deer Trail
tailings, the results have led us to the observation that the gold and silver
in the tailings are associated with its sulfide Galena contents. It was noted
that the sulfide particles have partially external oxidized surfaces. Tests are
being conducted to determine if the oxidized surface can be polished by
re-grinding the tailings through our ball mill, after which further testing
will determine whether or not the tailings will be amenable to sulfide
floatation. Additional tests are being conducted to determine the best means of
recovery."
In addition to the metallurgical report, the company reported the recent
purchase of a new atomic absorption unit that will be used to speed up the
analytical process. The 210VGP Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer purchased
from Buck Scientific, Inc. (http://www.bucksci.com/) is expected to arrive on
site this week. The new unit will help to expedite the assaying of samples from
both the mine and mill and will provide us with instant results. All previous
assay samples had been sent out to independent labs for analysis, thus creating
periodic delays in receiving results. Check samples will still be sent out to
independent labs for quality assurance.
"We are pleased to report this update on the metallurgical work
being conducted at the Deer Trail Mine, and look forward to continued onsite
progress as we prepare for the initiation of processing operations at the
site" stated Mark A. Lopez, chief executive officer of Unico. "As the
final steps of the reconstruction of the mill and processing facility are
completed, specifically the start-up testing of equipment and any remaining
electrical connections, the metallurgical work conducted at the site will help
to fine-tune aspects of the floatation circuit in order to produce the most
effective operational processes possible."
In August 2007, Unico announced that it had completed the purchase of the Deer
Trail Mine for its Deer Trail Mining Company subsidiary.
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About Unico, Inc.
Unico, Inc. (OTC BB: UCOI) is a publicly traded natural resource company in the
precious metals mining sector that is focused on the exploration, development
and production of gold, silver, lead, zinc, and copper concentrates at its
three mine properties: the Deer Trail Mine, the Bromide Basin Mine and the
Silver Bell Mine. The company has also announced agreements to acquire over 70 additional
mining claims. In August 2007, Unico announced that its wholly owned Deer Trail
Mining Company subsidiary had completed the purchase of the Deer Trail Mine
from Crown Mines, LLC. For more information, please visit
www.unicomining.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of
Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and such Section 21E of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such statements are subject to
risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to vary materially from
those projected in the forward-looking statements. The company may experience
significant fluctuations in operating results due to a number of economic,
competitive and other factors. These factors could cause operation results to
vary significantly from those in prior periods, and those projected in
forward-looking statements. Information with respect to these factors, which
could materially affect the company and its operations, are included on certain
forms the company files with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Contacts:
Gemini Financial Communications, Inc.
A. Beyer
951-677-8073
investors@unicomining.com
OTC Financial Network
Rick McCaffrey
781-444-6100, x625
rick@otcfn.com
www.otcfn.com/ucoi
.